Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Xavier Hutchinson

Monday, August 26, 4:15 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith (ankle/hamstring) reported discomfort in his ankle and hamstring following Saturday's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Texas A&M is getting an MRI, but his Week 1 status is in some doubt. With Johnny Wilson and newly-acquired Jahan Dotson on the roster, Smith was already unlikely to have a significant role on offense early in the season, but he was an excellent punt returner in college, so he could be in the mix there. For now, he can be safely ignored in 2024 fantasy football redraft leagues, and dynasty managers should monitor his status.

Friday, October 18, 1:22 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson should continue to see a higher-than-normal volume of snaps, making him a high-risk option in deep leagues for a Week 7 game at Green Bay. Houston's top wide receiver, Nico Collins, will miss at least three more games on injured reserve, thrusting the second-year receiver into more playing time. Hutchinson played 71% and 50% of Houston's snaps the past two weeks, respectively, but he has just two catches for 31 yards on five targets from the increased playing time. Fellow receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell should continue to command significantly more targets, however, making it tough for fantasy managers to trust Hutchinson, even in formats with multiple flex positions.